ENERGY STAR Labeled Building Profile

Benjamin Elementary school opened in August 2010 along with its twin (Cedar Ridge) as one of two new geothermal buildings in the district. Designed as a K-5 learning center, the school serves more than 585 students and encompasses more than 76,900 square feet of space.

Sharing technology already used at eight other schools, one-pipe geothermal was designed as the only heating and cooling source. Even in the first school year, the building averaged a $1.599 energy charge per square foot. Using the same principles for savings that were initially embraced by McLean County Unit District Five in 2005 through work with Energy Education, Inc. (now Cenergistic), staff members were encouraged to work together toward saving energy.

The building utilizes an energy management system (EMS) to view and control individual location temperatures. This proves to be another key component in the goal of saving energy while continuing to provide student comfort. As one of more than 30 sites in the district, saving energy enables district funds to be spent in more productive ways to ultimately enhance student performance.

Communications:

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Testimonial:

The strategy for saving with new properties relies on thorough planning long before the first shovel of dirt is turned. By doing this along with experienced geo engineers, geo well drillers, geo installers, and system balancers, the end result is a building that 'starts lean' and stays that way toward energy consumption. The system is designed to have more capacity than needed and thus needs no auxiliary heating or cooling assistance.

-- Bruce Boswell, Energy Manager, McLean County Unit Five Schools

Please note: Narrative information in this profile has been provided by McLean County Unit School District #5 or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.